Red Cross Red Crescent Day 2012: young people bring help and hope around the world

06-05-2012 Photo gallery

All over the world, young people of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement are getting involved in the issues that affect their communities. These photos show just a very few examples of what they have been up to over the past year or so.

The 2009 gathering coincided with the Solferino Youth Declaration signed that same year on behalf of all Red Cross Red Crescent young volunteers worldwide. The Youth Declaration was prepared with input from almost 500 young people from 150 countries. They agreed to do more, do better and reach further.

Volunteers frequently visit the elderly and provide care and support in everyday tasks in the region. More than 30,000 elderly people living alone in Azerbaijan have received Red Cross Red Crescent support.

The campaign promoted volunteering and volunteer work, recruiting 1,414 new members and volunteers. It also strengthened the National Society’s links with the corporate sector and the non-governmental community. Young people were active throughout the campaign, which lasted from World Red Cross Red Crescent day on 8 May 2011 to International Volunteer Day on 5 December 2011.

The Bolivian Red Cross youth unit focuses on continuous training and education, helping educate children and young people through its work in schools and its extracurricular programmes that promote human rights, non-violence and solidarity with one’s community and others.

The volunteers spread awareness of HIV/AIDS and encourage young people to become involved in responding to the problem. Young people in Somalia are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

With more than 60,000 volunteers nationwide, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society aims to protect life and to prevent and alleviate suffering during conflict and disaster. It organizes youth awareness and anti-stigma initiatives and it campaigns on issues such as HIV/AIDS. More than 300 schoolchildren recently took part in these initiatives, which had the aim of reaching 50,000 people.

Volunteers distribute food and drinks and share memorable moments with people from vulnerable communities on International Volunteer Day. The Pakistan Red Crescent has 49,251 volunteers from all provinces of Pakistan and from all walks of life. Every year, the National Society organizes a national youth and volunteer camp to promote youth involvement in its activities.

The National Society coordinates its work with others working in the area of violence prevention, helping young people and communities counter the violence caused by social inequality. Activities emphasize civic participation, recognition of rights, and influencing decision-makers in the country.